Be courageous in your acts, in face of judgement have the courage to say……….I’m not ok! ~Etta D Richards
Mental health is so widely used today that many times people with real issues are overlooked. Anxiety and depression are not what most people believe them to be and every experience different levels of stress. While society may dictate what anxiety and depression may be.
Here is what they are not.
Anxiety is not freaking out at the drop of a hat and definitely not about locking yourself in the closet.
Depression is not about alienating the world or being in a constant state of sadness. Some of the people who appear to be the happiest are living through their darkest days.
“What people never understand is that depression isn’t about the outside; it’s about the inside. Something inside me is wrong. Sure, there are things in my life that make me feel alone, but nothing makes me feel more isolated and terrified than my own voice inside my head.”
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Depression and Anxiety feed on our fears of being judged so we refuse to admit that we’re suffering. I’ll be the first to admit that I used internalised everything and if I’m honest, still do on occasion. The fear of anyone finding how I really felt led to me practising a bigger smile. I was raised to believe that “God won’t put more on you than you could bear.” So accepting the hurt only meant I strong enough to handle anything. I was never thought that it was ok to ask for help. To say, “I am not ok!”
I read a quote once that said, “if you have to fake a smile, maybe you should decline the invitation.” That really resonated with me and made me reevaluate my plans for the upcoming holiday season as I’m now realising how much energy it really takes to be sociable accepted. And, is it worth it? One true thing, my job can be stressful at times, however, it’s made me all the more grateful to have a sanctuary to call home, family and friends who can read through the lines and accept the silence. The best part of my da is the end, when I can walk out one door, leaving all the madness behind and enter another door to peace, comfort and serenity.
With the pressures of day to day life coupled with that of the impending holiday season, this can be an overwhelmingly difficult time for some. If you want to express the true value of your friendship, check in on your friends who always seem to be the life of the party or who have had to recharge their batteries far too many times.
Happy Friday
©Etta D. Richards
Simply Etta 
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